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365Gay.comMarch 31, 2008A New York appeals court has vacated the ruling of a lower court that a gay man was not entitled to spousal health insurance benefits even though he and his spouse were lawfully married in Canada. [Link]

Hartford CourantMarch 31, 2008Tax time is taxing enough. But consider the plight of Jason Smith and his partner, Settimio Pisu of Guilford. The same-sex couple, as well as their peers, must file not one, not two, but three tax returns by April 15. That's because they are joined not in marriage, but by civil union, the only legal option for same-sex couples in Connecticut. Because there is no federal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples or unions, they must file separate returns as well as a joint return, which is used as a work sheet to calculate their Connecticut taxes. [Link]

Baltimore SunMarch 31, 2008A Baltimore rabbi joined a small but growing band of clergy who have decided that they won't sign any marriage licenses as agents of the state until it allows gays and lesbians to marry. Some rabbis and ministers in states including Virginia, Minnesota, Michigan and Connecticut have told their congregants that when it comes to weddings they are in the business of religious ceremonies - only - and they have redirected couples to the local courthouse for the paperwork. [Link]

Pink NewsMarch 28, 2008The fight for equality continues in the heart of rural America this week, as the Iowa Supreme Court considers a lawsuit brought by six same-sex couples denied marriage licences in the state. Senior attorneys from Lambda Legal, joined by former Iowa solicitor general Dennis Johnson, will argue that denying marriage to same-sex couples violates the equal protection and due process guarantees in the state's Constitution…At least 17 briefs will be filed with the Iowa Supreme Court by a wide array of local and national organizations and individuals on behalf of the six same-sex couples and their families. Supporters include doctors, social workers, scientists, historians and more than 200 clergymen and other faith leaders. [Link]

365Gay.comMarch 28, 2008Two former Iowa Lieutenant Governors, one a Republican the other a Democrat, submitted a brief Friday to the state Supreme Court arguing that the court, not the legislature or voters, is the place to decide the constitutionality of marriage equality. "We are proud of Iowa's long history in ensuring fairness and equality for all Iowans," said former Lt. Govs. Joy Corning (R) and Sally Pederson (D) in a joint statement. [Link]

Washington BladeMarch 28, 2008Regardless of your political affiliation, one debate that usually inflames passions in the Washington Metro Area is whether it’s best to live in D.C, Virginia or Maryland. The question becomes more important if you are a same-sex couple. For example, let’s say you’ve saved $1 million in your retirement account, which you planned to leave to your partner at death. In which jurisdiction would the taxes be the lowest on your estate: D.C., Virginia or Maryland? If you said D.C., you’d be wrong. Maryland? No, guess again. The answer is Virginia. Yep, that’s right, the anti-gay Commonwealth. [link]

The Jakarta PostMarch 28, 2008Moderate Muslim scholars said there were no reasons to reject gay people under Islam, and that the condemnation by mainstream ulema and many other Muslims was based on narrow-minded interpretations of Islamic teachings. [link]

Pam’s House BlendMarch 27, 2008Along with a recent video clip of Bill Clinton feeling the heat from students grilling him about his signature on the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, Pam offers a historical perspective on DOMA and what was going on at the time of the law signing, contrary to what Clinton claims. [Link]